What is the Philippines Civil Service Examination (CSE)?

The Philippines Civil Service Examination (CSE) is a standardized test administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to assess the qualifications of individuals seeking employment in the Philippine government. It is a requirement for securing permanent and tenured positions in public service. There are two levels of the CSE: Professional Level – Required for government positions that demand a higher degree of responsibility and decision-making. This exam is typically taken by individuals with a four-year college degree. Sub-Professional Level – Designed for entry-level clerical positions in government. This exam is suitable for high school graduates or college undergraduates. Passing the CSE grants Civil Service Eligibility, which is a lifetime qualification to apply for government jobs, provided all other employment requirements are met.

What should I review for the civil service exam?

To prepare for the Philippines Civil Service Examination (CSE), you should focus on the following subjects: Numerical Abilities - basic alirthmetics, word problem, problem solving. Verbal Abilities - Grammer, vocabulary, reading comprehension, sentence and paragraph organization. Logical and Analytical reasoning - Identifying patterns, critical thinking, problem-solving. Clerical Abilities (for sub-professional level) - Filing and information organization, alphabetizing, error recognition. General information -the Philippine Constitution, code of conduct, government functions and current events.

Is it hard to pass the civil service exam Philippines?

The Philippines Civil Service Examination (CSE) can be challenging, but its difficulty level depends on your preparation, academic background, and test-taking skills. Here are some key factors that affect the difficulty: A minimum score of 80% is required There are many topics to prepare for The test is timed, and some test-takers struggle to answer all the questions within the time limit, especially mathematical and logical reasoning. If you fail - you will need to wait for 3 months before retaking the exam.

Top Civil Service Philippines Reviewer for CSE Success

Shir, Civil Service Assessments Expert at JobTestPrep
Have a question? Contact me at:

ask_the_team@jobtestprep.com

The Philippines Civil Service Examination includes many different subtests, with Numerical, Verbal, Analytical, & Clerical questions to prepare for. By Understanding each question type and practicing as many questions as possible, your journey toward a successful career in the Philippines Civil Service is closer than ever! Let's get started!

Achieve the 80% passing score with our comprehensive study plan and materials designed to help you succeed. Over 600 questions and guides!

The Philippines Civil Service Examination (CSE), conducted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), is an essential step for anyone aiming to get a permanent position in the government. Passing the CSE qualifies you for public service jobs in government offices across the Philippines, ensuring you can build a stable, long-term career.

There are two primary types of Philippine Civil Service Examinations:

Professional Civil Service Exam (CSE-PPT)
This is for individuals who have completed a four-year college degree and are applying for professional, technical, or managerial positions in government.
Sub-Professional Civil Service Exam (CSE-PPT)
This is for those with a high school diploma or those who have not completed a four-year degree. It is primarily for clerical and first-level positions in government service.

Both exams are critical to securing government employment. Whether you are aiming for higher-level positions or entry-level roles, passing the CSE is the first step toward achieving your career goals.

As previously mentioned, there are two main CSE levels: Professional and Sub-professional. Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the key differences:

Professional Level (CSE-PPT)

Eligibility: For those who have completed a 4-year college degree.
Number of Questions: 170 items
Time Limit: 3 hours and 10 minutes
Exam Topics:
- Verbal Ability: Vocabulary, grammar, paragraph organization, and reading comprehension.
- Numerical Ability: Number sequences, basic operations, and word problems.
- Analytical Ability: Logical reasoning, data interpretation, and identifying assumptions.

Sub-professional Level (CSE-PPT)

Eligibility: For those with at least a high school diploma.
Number of Questions: 165 items
Time Limit: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Exam Topics:
- Verbal Ability: Vocabulary and grammar, similar to the Professional Level.
- Numerical Ability: Basic math and word problems.
- Clerical Ability: Filing, spelling, and clerical tasks.

Both exams also include general knowledge on human rights, peace issues, ethics, and the environment, with a passing score of 80% required for both levels.

Eligibility Requirements

Filipino citizens
At least 18 years old
With no criminal record or history of dismissal from government or military service.
No record of moral turpitude, dishonest conduct, or substance abuse.

The CSE is competitive, and thorough preparation is key to achieving the required passing score of 80%. With our comprehensive CSE prep materials and structured study plan, you'll be equipped to tackle the exam confidently.

Basic Math - Sample Question #1

Convert (1/2 + 1/3 + 1/6) to a decimal

A. 1

B. 1.33

C. 0.967

D. 1.2

E. 0.875

View Explanation

The correct answer is (A) - 1.

This item can be solved by converting fractions to decimals:

1/2 + 1/3 + 1/6

= 0.5 + 0.333 + 0.167 = 1

Alternatively, you can first combine the fractions to a single fraction by using the lowest common denominator, which is 6 in this case:

1/2 + 1/3 + 1/6

= (1x3)/(2x3) + (1x2)/(3x2) + (1x1)/(6x1)

= 3/6 + 2/6 + 1/6 = 6/6 = 1.

Basic Math - Sample Question #1

(0.31)x(2.7)=?

A. 0.00837

B. 0.0837

C. 0.837

D. 8.37

E. 83.7

View Explanation

The correct answer is (C) – 0.837.

0.31
x    2.7
   0.217
0.62 +
   0.837

The answer is 0.837

Another way to solve this question would be to multiply 2 by 0.31, and then 0.7 by 0.31:

2 × 0.31 = 0.62

0.31 × 0.7 = 0.217

In total: 0.62 + 0.217 = 0.837

Word Problems - Sample Querstion #1

In the last week, drug dealing cases among teenagers increased from 40 to 52, an increase of about ____ percent.

A. 5%

B. 10%

C. 15%

D. 20%

E. 30%

View Explanation

To find out what percent 52 out of 40 is, the mathematical drill for that will be:

(⁵²⁄₄₀) × 100 = ⁵²⁄₄₀ × 100 = 130%

Notice that this will give us the total percentage, while we are interested only in the increase.

To find the increase only (the difference), we will have to reduce 100:

(⁵²⁄₄₀ × 100) - 100 = (⁵²⁄₄₀ × 10) - 100 = 130 - 100 = 30

The increase is 30%.

Word Problems - Sample Querstion #2

James works at the police station as an operator. Over the past week, he has received 150, 110, 131, 112, and 187 phone calls.
How many calls are made to the police station each day on average?

A. 164

B. 154

C. 138

D. 94

View Explanation

This question asks about averages. We need to add the daily amount of phone calls up, and then divide by the number of days:
(150+110+131+112+187)/5 = 138

In that case, since all the numbers are one hundred and something, you can ignore the hundred and try to calculate the average of the other numbers, then add the 100 again:

(50+10+31+12+87)/5=38 → 38+100=138

Prepare with a structured study plan and proven materials to hit the target and pass with ease. Your Career Advancement Awaits!

Reading Comprehension - Sample Question #1

Read the paragraph and answer the following question.

Last year, road fatalities decreased by 9%. According to the latest figures published by the Department of Transportation today, this year has seen the lowest number of deaths in road traffic since records began. However, road deaths are only the tip of the iceberg, because for every death on US roads there are 10 serious injuries such as damage to the brain or spinal cord. Country by country statistics show that the number of road deaths per year still varies greatly across the US with the states reporting the lowest number of fatalities being the California, Oregon, Washington, Vermont, and Maine, with only 30 deaths per million inhabitants. Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and users in certain age groups, notably the elderly, are particularly affected by serious road injuries.

What section of the population is more vulnerable to road injuries?

A. People in cars.

B. People traveling on two wheels.

C. People with spinal cord injuries.

D. People who travel by subway.

View Explanation

Option B is the correct answer as both motorcyclists and bicyclists are mentioned to be in the vulnerable group.

Reading Comprehension - Sample Question #2

Read the paragraph and answer the following question.

In state penitentiaries, 49% were sentenced for a violent crime, 20% were sentenced for a property crime, and 21% were sentenced for a drug crime (for the year 2000). In city jails, a fourth were held for violent crimes, a fourth were held for property crimes, and a fifth were held for drug crimes (for the year 1996). nHowever, there are overlapping crimes. Robbery, for instance, for something as small as a few dollars, may go unprosecuted, but the crime of assault or battery may end up with the suspect serving several years. Offenders of violent crimes had used a weapon in 46% of all robberies, as an example (for the year 2002).

What’s not true according to the text?

A. In state penitentiaries, there is a higher percentage of people serving for violent crimes than in city jails.

B. The text mentions only three types of crimes.

C. Out of the 49 percent of people serving time for violent crimes, only 3 percent were not convicted of robbery.

D. All of the answers above are true.

View Explanation

The correct answer is (C). According to the text, there isn’t a connection between the 49% of people convicted of violent crime than the 46% of violent robberies.

(A) Is incorrect because according to the text there are more convicts serving time for violent crimes in state penitentiaries than in city jails.

(B) Is incorrect because the text only mentions three crimes (violent, drugs, property).

(D) Is incorrect as there are already on answer that isn't correct.

Vocabulary - Sample Question #1

In the following sentence, choose the word or phrase that can best replace the underlined word in the sentence.

The chief is deeply revered.

A. Feared

B. Respected

C. Sad

D. Regretful

View Explanation

Revered means regarded as worthy of great honor and respect.

Vocabulary - Sample Question #2

In the following sentence, choose the word or phrase that can best replace the underlined word in the sentence.

The judge was extremely boorish to the victim’s family.

A. Nice

B. Insensitive

C. Apologetic

D. Effulgent

View Explanation

Boorish means resembling or befitting a rude or insensitive person.

Our study materials are carefully made to mimic the questions you will face in the CSE in terms of structure and difficulty. Don't leave your career progression for chance. We can help you reach your goal!

Filing - Sample Question #1

Arrange the following names in alphabetic order for filing:

Will W. Wyatt.
Will Wade Wyant.
Will Wick Wyant.
Wick Will Wyatt.

A. 2,3,1,4.

B. 3,2,1,4.

C. 2,3,4,1.

D. 3,2,4,1.

View Explanation

The names rewritten for alphabetic filing (last name, then first name, then middle name).
Wyatt Will W, Wyant Will Wade, Wyant Will Wick, Wyatt Wick Will.

Arranged by alphabetic order.
Wyant Will Wade, Wyant Will Wick, Wyatt Wick Will, Wyatt Will W.

The names in their original form.
Will Wade Wyant, Will Wick Wyant, Wick Will Wyatt, Will W. Wyatt.

Solving Tips:

Notice that the options given here were designed to make quick elimination impossible, but in exchange they offer a clue – namely, that 2 and 3 come before 1 and 4. So you only need to arrange these two pairs separately.

Comparing and Checking - Sample Question #2

Go through the list and select the most accurate answer.

List A	List B	List C
McAndrew, Mathew T. 3603 Gregory Lane Frankfort, KY 40601 502-564-6298 5’ 10’’ 203.7 lbs.	McAndrew, Mathew T. 3603 Gregory Lane Frankfort, KY 40601 502-564-6298 5’ 10’’ 203.7 lbs.	McAndrews, Mathew T. 3603 Gregory Lane Frankfort, KY 40601 502-564-6298 5’ 10’’ 203.7 lbs.

A. All the lists are the same.

B. Only list B is the same as list A

c. Only list C is the same as list A.

D. Neither list B nor list C are the same as list A

View Explanation

Mistakes are bolded.

List A	List B	List C
McAndrew, Mathew T. 3603 Gregory Lane Frankfort, KY 40601 502-564-6298 5’ 10’’ 203.7 lbs.	McAndrew, Mathew T. 3603 Gregory Lane Frankfort, KY 40601 502-564-6298 5’ 10’’ 203.7 lbs.	McAndrews, Mathew T. 3603 Gregory Lane Frankfort, KY 40601 502-564-6298 5’ 10’’ 203.7 lbs.

Logical Reasoning - Sample Question #1

Choose the correct answer

The last training session is usually with the whole squad. The second training session is usually after lunch and involves working on personal techniques. The first training session includes weightlifting at the gym. Which of the following is a certainty?

A. The squad starts the day together.

B. Lunch precedes squad training.

C. Lunch precedes weightlifting.

D. There are 2 training sessions completed before lunch.

View Explanation

The correct answer is B.

Answer A: Incorrect. The first training session is at the gym. There is a possibility that before the first training session, there is some sort of briefing that includes the whole squad, but there is no mention of such a thing in the passage so that is purely conjecture.

Answer B: Correct. Squad training is the last training session of the day. Lunch usually precedes the second training session of the day. Therefore, we can deduce that lunch precedes the last training session of the day.

Answer C: Incorrect. Weightlifting is the first training session of the day, and we are told that the second training session is usually after lunch. Therefore, the first training session must be before lunch.

Answer D: Incorrect. There are a total of 3 training sessions. The second training session is generally conducted after lunch, so there is only 1 training session completed before lunch.

Assumptions - Sample Question #2

Physicians warn that kidney stones strike more than a million people in this country every year. To help avoid this very painful disorder without taking medication to discourage the formation of kidney stones, people should drink three glasses of freshly squeezed, not frozen or bottled, orange juice a day. The citrate in the fruit reduces the formation of calcium oxalate stones (the most common type) and lowers urine acidity, much like the kidney stone medication potassium citrate.

A. Freshly squeezed orange juice contains more citrate than frozen or bottled orange juice.

B. Freshly squeezed orange juice contains more citrate than potassium citrate.

C. People will suffer from calcium oxalate stones and from no other type of kidney stone.

D. Lowering urine acidity alone, without reducing the formation of calcium oxalate stones, is insufficient to prevent kidney stones.

E. The million Americans who suffer annually from kidney stones must be drinking fewer than three glasses of orange juice daily.

View Explanation

If people should drink freshly squeezed orange juice and not frozen or bottled juice, and if the orange juice provides citrate, then the assumption is that freshly squeezed orange juice contains more citrate than frozen or bottled orange juice—answer A.

Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Logical Reasoning - Sample Question #3

Choose the correct answer

Murderers use their weak hand when shooting. Murderers use their strong hand when stabbing. Elizabeth is a left-handed convicted murderer. Which of the following is correct?

A. Elizabeth stabbed her victim with her right hand, and shot her victim with her right hand.

B. Elizabeth stabbed her victim with her left hand, and shot her victim with her left hand.

C. Elizabeth stabbed her victim with her right hand, and shot her victim with her left hand.

D. Elizabeth stabbed her victim with her left hand and shot her victim with her right hand.

View Explanation

The correct answer is D.

Answer A: Incorrect. Since Elizabeth is left-handed and murderers stab their victims while using their strong hand, this statement is incorrect.

Answer B: Incorrect. Since Elizabeth is left-handed and murderers shoot their victims while using their weak hand, this statement is incorrect.

Answer C: Incorrect. Since Elizabeth is left-handed and murderers stab their victims while using their strong hand, this statement is incorrect.

Answer D: Correct. Since Elizabeth is left-handed and murderers stab their victims while using their strong hand, and they shoot their victims while using their weak hand, this statement is correct.

The Philippines Civil Service Examination (CSE) is a standardized test administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to assess the qualifications of individuals seeking employment in the Philippine government. It is a requirement for securing permanent and tenured positions in public service.

There are two levels of the CSE:

Professional Level – Required for government positions that demand a higher degree of responsibility and decision-making. This exam is typically taken by individuals with a four-year college degree.
Sub-Professional Level – Designed for entry-level clerical positions in government. This exam is suitable for high school graduates or college undergraduates.

Passing the CSE grants Civil Service Eligibility, which is a lifetime qualification to apply for government jobs, provided all other employment requirements are met.

To prepare for the Philippines Civil Service Examination (CSE), you should focus on the following subjects:

Numerical Abilities - basic alirthmetics, word problem, problem solving.
Verbal Abilities - Grammer, vocabulary, reading comprehension, sentence and paragraph organization.
Logical and Analytical reasoning - Identifying patterns, critical thinking, problem-solving.
Clerical Abilities (for sub-professional level) - Filing and information organization, alphabetizing, error recognition.
General information -the Philippine Constitution, code of conduct, government functions and current events.

The Philippines Civil Service Examination (CSE) can be challenging, but its difficulty level depends on your preparation, academic background, and test-taking skills. Here are some key factors that affect the difficulty:

A minimum score of 80% is required
There are many topics to prepare for
The test is timed, and some test-takers struggle to answer all the questions within the time limit, especially mathematical and logical reasoning.

If you fail - you will need to wait for 3 months before retaking the exam.

There is no limit to how many times you can take the Philippines Civil Service Examination (CSE).

Top Civil Service Philippines Reviewer for Your CSE Success!

Improve Your Score with the Best Civil Service Philippines Reviewer Online

Boost Your Chances of Passing the Philippines CSE

What is the Philippines Civil Service Examination (CSE)?

Key Features of the Civil Service Examination (CSE)

Professional Level (CSE-PPT)

Sub-professional Level (CSE-PPT)

Eligibility Requirements

Maximize Your Chances of Success in the Philippines CSE

CSC Philippines Reviewer - Sample Questions

Numerical Reasoning

Basic Math - Sample Question #1

Basic Math - Sample Question #1

Word Problems - Sample Querstion #1

Word Problems - Sample Querstion #2

Ace the Philippines CSE with Confidence

Verbal Reasoning

Reading Comprehension - Sample Question #1

Reading Comprehension - Sample Question #2

Vocabulary - Sample Question #1

Vocabulary - Sample Question #2

What Makes Our CSE Prep the Right One for You?

Clerical Abilities

Filing - Sample Question #1

Comparing and Checking - Sample Question #2

Analytical Abilities

Logical Reasoning - Sample Question #1

Assumptions - Sample Question #2

Logical Reasoning - Sample Question #3

CSC Philippines Reviewer FAQs

Top Civil Service Philippines Reviewer for Your CSE Success!

Improve Your Score with the Best Civil Service Philippines Reviewer Online

Boost Your Chances of Passing the Philippines CSE

What is the Philippines Civil Service Examination (CSE)?

Key Features of the Civil Service Examination (CSE)

Professional Level (CSE-PPT)

Sub-professional Level (CSE-PPT)

Eligibility Requirements

Maximize Your Chances of Success in the Philippines CSE

CSC Philippines Reviewer - Sample Questions

Numerical Reasoning

Basic Math - Sample Question #1

Basic Math - Sample Question #1

Word Problems - Sample Querstion #1

Word Problems - Sample Querstion #2

Ace the Philippines CSE with Confidence

Verbal Reasoning

Reading Comprehension - Sample Question #1

Click here to see the paragraph

Reading Comprehension - Sample Question #2

Click here to see the paragraph

Vocabulary - Sample Question #1

Vocabulary - Sample Question #2

What Makes Our CSE Prep the Right One for You?

Clerical Abilities

Filing - Sample Question #1

Comparing and Checking - Sample Question #2

Analytical Abilities

Logical Reasoning - Sample Question #1

Assumptions - Sample Question #2

Logical Reasoning - Sample Question #3

CSC Philippines Reviewer FAQs

What is the Philippines Civil Service Examination (CSE)?

What should I review for the civil service exam?

Is it hard to pass the civil service exam Philippines?

How many times can you take the civil service exam in the Philippines?

Additional Resources